Waterproofing Basements With Dirt Floors, Stone Walls, & More
We Can Waterproof & Upgrade Basements Of All Kinds!
Dirt basements are often found with large rocks, uneven floors, or a "shelf" of stone on one side. Other basements may have old-fashioned stone or brick foundation walls.
You local Basement Systems Dealer can waterproof basements and crawl spaces of all types -- including basements with dirt walls and floors, large boulders, or with stone walls.
Wet basements come in many shapes, sizes, and constructions. Finding creative, customized solutions for the many unique challenges that basements offer is one thing that makes our dealers the best in the business.
Our basement drainage systems are designed for basements of all types -- including those that include dirt walls, dirt floors, stone walls, and basements with large boulders located in the interior.
We also have solutions for basements and crawl spaces with very low ceilings, old utilities, and other obstacles.
Installing A Plastic Vapor Barrier
Along with solving your flooding issues, Basement Systems recommends also addressing all sources of moisture and humidity in your basement.
By installing a plastic vapor barrier on the walls and floors and installing an energy efficient, self-draining dehumidifier, your basement can be best protected from moisture levels that can encourage mold, rot, and mildew growth. This will lead to a healthier home environment, while avoiding potentially expensive home repairs in the future.
Get a Free EstimateYour local Basement Systems Dealer has the training, experience, and award-winning products that can help you create dry, usable space -- even in a basement with dirt walls and floors!
To learn more about what we can do to help you, call or e-mail us today for a free basement waterproofing estimate! Each free estimates includes an on-site professional inspection and measurement, a personal consultation, and a copy of our full-color waterproofing book!
Five Steps To Drying & Waterproofing A Dirt Basement
Normally, our contractors would waterproof a basement by jackhammering the concrete floor, digging a trench and filling it with clean stone, and placing the drain on the stone. A sump pump would be installed in the low spot on the floor. Then, the concrete floor would be restored. (Learn more about Installing A Perimeter French Drain System.)
Waterproofing a basement with dirt walls and floors is very similar -- without the jackhammering. We'll still install a drain and sump pump along the perimeter. However, we also very strongly recommend installing a plastic vapor barrier on the walls and floors, as moisture can easily pass through the dirt and create a humid space. A basement dehumidifier can be installed to further ensure a dry environment.
These are the five steps our dealers recommend when waterproofing a dirt basement:
Clean & Level The Space
While we ask that a dirt basement be cleared of stored items and furniture, many of our contractors do offer services related to cleaning the basement before waterproofing the space.
In these cases, your installation crew will remove moldy insulation, debris, and other undesirable materials. The space will be made to look as good as possible before installing your sump pump and perimeter drain.
Cleaning out the basement is an important step to installing a vapor barrier in a continuous sheet on all dirt surfaces in your basement, which helps to create drier, healthier space.
Install A Drainage System
Next, a drainage trench will be created along the perimeter of the basement walls, designed to collect any groundwater intruding in your basement space.
Our dealers recommend and warranty full perimeter drainage systems for all basements. These systems provide the maximum protection from both current and possible future leaking points along the perimeter.
A bed of clean stone is placed within the drainage trench, and a basement drain is installed on top. Then a final layer of drainage stone is added. A drainage channel will also be directed to the basement wall to collect water leakage.
More about Our Basement Drain Systems
Install A Sump Pump
A sump pit is created at the low point, with the drainage system pitched at a downward slope towards it. Clean gravel is poured around the edge of the sump liner, and an airtight lid is installed.
Our sump pump systems include an IceGuard® Drainage System on the discharge line, which will protect your system from clogging due to frozen lines.
In addition to a sump pump system, we also recommend installing a battery backup sump pump for protection against power outages and blown fuses. Our UltraSump® Battery Backup System can also run when the primary pump is overwhelmed by extreme flood water volumes.
More about Our Sump Pump Systems
Install A Vapor Barrier On Dirt Surfaces
Even when the basement is not flooding, water vapor can make its way through the dirt, mortar, and concrete surfaces in your basement.
As this humidity builds up, it will create an environment in your basement where mold, rot, and mildew can thrive. This can lead to cosmetic damage to your basement, as well as potentially serious structural damage. And when moldy, musty air makes its way into your home, it can agitate allergies and asthma.
The simple solution is to install a plastic vapor barrier on the walls and floors. We recommend our rugged CleanSpace® Crawl Space Liner for dirt basements, which includes a 25-year warranty against rips and tears.
More about The CleanSpace® Crawl Space Liner
Install An Energy Efficient Dehumidifier
As a final line of defense against any potential humidity in your basement, we recommend installing a heavy duty, energy efficient basement dehumidifier.
Our SaniDry™ XP Basement Air System is the clear choice when it comes to maintaining a dry basement. It can remove up to 110 pints of water per day, with a self-draining, energy efficient design.
An added benefit of the SaniDry™ XP is its ability to filter allergens and other particles from the air. An optional additional odor-removing filter can help to further eliminate that musty basement smell.
More about our SaniDry™ XP Basement Air System
We Can Waterproof & Dry Out Your Dirt Basement!
Each Basement Systems dealer has been provided with products, training, and services that combine to provide a customizable solution for any basement water problem.
Whether you live in Canada or the United States, there's a locally owned and operated dealer in your neighborhood that's standing by to help you. To schedule a free dry basement estimate, contact us by phone or e-mail today!
Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.